IN June 1974, five friends had an egg and flour fight on their last day at Trinity School.

Afterward, they were spotted cleaning it off in the fountain at Hardwicke Circus by one of the News & Star's photographers who captured this brilliant photo.

Four of the five friends met up again this week to mark the 50th anniversary by recreating the photo.

They had lunch together at the Penny Blue restaurant before heading to Hardwicke Circus to relive the memory.

Gill Burns from Carlisle said: "It's 50 years this month since the four of us left Trinity School covered in eggs, flour, beans, and honey.

"We decided to wash off in Hardwicke Circus fountain, which in those days did function... there was water in it."

The original photo even featured on the front page of the News & Star.

One of the News & Star's photographers, Loftus Brown, had been passing by and asked the girls to get back in the fountain for a photo. 

"That's why Kathleen, who's not here, was covering her eyes, because I just put a load of water in her face," said Gill.

"These two (Lynne and Catherine) are laughing over Carol's bag. But we had no idea who this man was."

Three of the women - Gill, Catherine Boak, and Lynne Scott - first met in 1963 when they were pupils at Stanwix School. 

They met Carol Salem in 1969 when they joined Trinity School. 

They've kept in touch since leaving school and, despite living across the country from each other now, they meet up twice a year and go for weekends away together. 

What's the secret to more than 50 years of friendship? According to the group of women, it's having a sense of humour.

Gill said: "We do laugh a lot and I think because we go back so far, we know each other inside out, good and bad.

"It's about overlooking the faults and welcoming and embracing the positives in our relationship."